Around a dozen hashers gathered at Bar la Sociedad on Sunday morning… chomping at the bit for a gentle stroll around Vélez-Blanco.

It was great to see a mix of familiar faces and returning faces.

Unfortunately for the hopeful runners and walker, the gentle stroll was not meant to be. The runners were given a tough course with much of the route taking them uphill through the countryside. Cherry, Mark and Slot Machine had marked out the route the previous day and found it pretty tough in the heat with both Slot Machine and Cherry suffering for it that night. Thankfully the temperatures on the Sunday morning were much lower, making it a much more pleasant experience. However, a few spots of rain had washed away most of the waymarks… leaving them to hope for the best. But the runners made really good time, completng the course in just 1 hour and 20 minutes!!

The walkers had a much gentler time – with only the last 20 minutes being an uphill slog. Slot Machine opted to take the walkers the countryside route so that Norman Bates’ and Ma Bates’ dogs could have some time off their leads. They completed their walk in an hour – including a stopoff for a short time to watch the griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) circling above.

A good number of down-downs were doled out in the closing circle including the wearing of head gear in the circle, watering the campo, sitting down on the route and being overly romantic.

It had been a while since anyone had been named, but that was changed when Mark was hash-named as “Cupid”. A very fitting name as he had left a chalked love heart on a stone for the runners along the way.

The on-after was held at Bar la Sociedad where everyone was cared for by Sofina, José Maria, José Victor and their able staff. The riñones went down well as always, as did the garlic chicken and the magra.

AOB:

Puff still has quite a few items of hasher-dashery to clear. T-shirts, sweatshirts (a bargain at only €20) and hats. Grab him at the next hash to grab your items.

Remember to contact Carpet Burns or Can’t Cum Tri Again as soon as possible, to pay for your accommodation for the anniversary hash bash in Almería City in early November

Slot Machine had promised her contact details to a couple of Hashers… but was completely rubbish and forgot to do so. Here they are. Email: elle@gandy-draper.com or info@spainbuddy.com and +34 950 930 916.